Church of the Cross (Presbyterian U.S.A.) in Hoffman Estates scrapped some of its plans for spring and summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The congregation was going to celebrate its 60th anniversary in June. Former members from around the country were invited to attend, but the celebration was put on hold indefinitely.

An annual mission trip to a Lakota Sioux reservation in South Dakota also was canceled for this year.

The church doors have been closed since March. Worship services are livestreamed and adult education classes held over Zoom. But, outside on church grounds, a community garden is thriving.

“What started as a ‘seed of an idea’ a couple years ago as a way to connect with our neighbors, has become a gift from the Holy One in these difficult days,” said the pastor, the Rev. Julie Peterson. “Church of the Cross’s Community Garden allows us to provide fresh vegetables to those who can’t afford any.”

Each week church volunteers have weeded, watered and harvested fresh vegetables for donation to the Schaumburg Food Pantry. A neighbor in need of a home for her vegetable plants also joined the garden, which includes tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, beans, lettuce and other produce. The bounty should last until the end of August when Church of the Cross hopes to resume worship services indoors.

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